From the Sector

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced today that Ben Muller has joined the association as executive director. Mr. Muller brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience spanning nonprofit organizations, corporations and trade associations.

Most recently, Mr. Muller served on the senior executive team of the High Point Market Authority, where he led marketing, public relations and educational programming for one of the world’s largest trade shows. Previously, he held senior brand and marketing leadership positions with Hanesbrands and Kayser-Roth, gaining extensive experience in textile and apparel supply chains. He began his career serving mission-driven organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tony Fragnito, INDA’s current president and CEO, will transition to an executive consultant role in January 2027 to support the leadership transition and focus on projects and initiatives designed to expand the reach and participation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA). His planned retirement will occur in December 2027.

The creation of the executive director position follows the formation of the GNA by INDA and EDANA and represents the next step in the evolution of INDA’s staff leadership to support the alliance. Mr. Muller’s broad leadership experience, strategic marketing expertise and deep understanding of member and industry engagement will be valuable as he leads INDA’s strategic initiatives, oversees operations and represents the interests of the nonwovens industry across the Americas.

“I am honored to join INDA at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Mr. Muller. “The formation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration and expand the value we provide to members. I look forward to listening to our members, learning from their expertise and ensuring INDA continues to be a strong advocate and resource for the industry throughout the Americas.”

“Tony has provided outstanding leadership to INDA during a transformational period for both the association and the global nonwovens industry,” said Mark A. Thornton, chair of the INDA Board of Directors and vice president, Baby Care, Fem Care and Family Care Quality Assurance, The Procter & Gamble Company. “The Board is deeply appreciative of his leadership, commitment to our members and role in helping establish the Global Nonwovens Alliance. As we look ahead, we are confident Ben brings the strategic thinking, industry experience and collaborative leadership needed to build on that strong foundation and guide INDA into its next chapter.”

“Ben’s appointment represents an important step in bringing the vision of the Global Nonwovens Alliance to life,” said Murat Dogru, CEO, GNA. “The strength of the Alliance will depend on combining a truly global perspective with strong regional leadership that understands the priorities of its members. I am very pleased to welcome him and look forward to working closely together as we build the next chapter of the Alliance.”

“Leading INDA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated staff, Board, and membership,” said Fragnito. “It has been a meaningful way to cap off my career, and I look forward to working closely with Ben to ensure a seamless transition of INDA’s business operations and member relationships. I am excited to support him as he helps lead INDA and a partner with Murat as he leads the Global Nonwovens Alliance.”

Marco Lucietti joins the Board of Directors as the company advances its integrated model built on design, responsibility and Italian manufacturing excellence.

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

His appointment marks another step in C&S's ongoing transformation, as the company expands its role from a garment maker with deep roots in denim to a design-driven manufacturing partner for premium, luxury and urban fashion brands. The ambition is to build an integrated business model in which the experience gained through the company’s own brands and the expertise of its manufacturing services continuously strengthen one another.

This evolution is reflected in the company’s new brand statement, “Made by design, made to matter,” which embodies an approach where product culture, technological innovation and responsible growth come together. The company's vision is to transform creative ideas into scalable industrial realities through a short, fully integrated supply chain rooted in the historic textile districts of Central Italy.

Bringing this vision to life is the dialogue between the company's two strategic areas: on one side, research into trends, materials and consumer behavior – also fueled by firsthand retail experience – and on the other, the continuous evolution of the supply chain towards more transparent, efficient and responsible processes.

“Our ambition is to build an ecosystem where manufacturing, research, product culture and responsibility work together to create lasting value,” says Corneli. “Marco's appointment is an important milestone because it strengthens the organizational foundations of this vision and supports its long-term development. We want the experience generated by our brands and the expertise of our manufacturing services to reinforce one another, transforming creative ideas into relevant, scalable products designed to stand the test of time.”

Marco Lucietti brings more than twenty years of international experience in the textile industry, spanning strategy, corporate governance, sustainability, communications and organizational development. He will also continue his role as Adjunct Professor of Governance and Sustainability for Fashion at Sapienza University of Rome, while serving as Senior Advisor on selected international projects.

C&S is a garment maker and global partner for contemporary fashion brands. Since 1981, the company has supported brands in the development and manufacturing of collections by combining product culture, technical expertise and Italian manufacturing know-how across the textile districts of Central Italy. Building on its heritage in denim, C&S has expanded its expertise into the luxury and urban segments, developing an integrated model that combines product development, a short supply chain and responsible innovation. Made by design, made to matter captures the company's ambition: transforming creative visions into garments that combine quality, originality and lasting value.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from. He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America. His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”